Aretha Shawnette Pannell, age 52, passed away at Texan Health Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth on August 30, 2019. She was born to Eddie Joe Sr. and Billie Doris Loftin Pannell in Wolfe City, July 15, 1967.
Aretha was a member of New Mt. Gilead Baptist Church in Dallas. She was also active in Eastern Star.
Education was very important to Aretha. She graduated from Commerce High School. She attended East Texas State University, earning her Bachelor’s degree. Aretha then enrolled in Concordia University Texas in Austin and earned her Master’s degree. After graduating Aretha made her career as a schoolteacher, working for Royse City ISD. She enjoyed helping her students prepare for their future. She will be greatly missed by her fellow faculty members and students.
Aretha is survived by her siblings: Daphne Brigham and husband Marcus of Keller, Eddie Joe Jr. and wife Karmen of Crowley, Lakitta Pannell of Fort Worth, and nieces Chelseay Pannell-Brigham and Monica Brigham. She is also survived by her baby, Billie, a cocker spaniel, and niece and nephew dogs Coco Grace Brigham, Cooper, and Lucy. She was preceded in death by her parents.
The funeral service will be Saturday, September 7, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. at the Royse City High School Performing Arts Center. It will be conducted by pastors Roy Locke of New Mt. Gilead Baptist Church and Patrick Winfield. Visitation will be Friday, September 6, 2019 from 6:00 to 7:30 P.M. at the New Mt. Gilead Baptist Church at the corner of Beckley and Morgan in Dallas. Interment will be 3:00 P.M. Sunday, September 8, 2019 at Mt. Carmel West Cemetery in Wolfe City.
Pallbearers will be Hosea Lee, Gerald Green, Kevin Loftin, Reginald Loftin, Mike Sims, and Cleon Flanagan.
My deepest sympathy to the family. May God grant you peace and comfort throughout your time of sorrow.
My granddaughter, Selena was 11 when her favorite cousin passed away. She wanted to give this speech at Aretha’s service, but was not permitted for various reasons. This is what she wrote to honor her cousin:
People say that at 11 years of age I’m too young to completely understand what death is. To them, I say No, I understand. I may be only eleven, but I understand that I will not see Aretha any more. No more hugs filled with love. No more beautiful smiles and laughs. No more secret talks with my cousin. I do know that I will miss my wonderful cousin a lot. And that makes me sad. I love you, cousin Aretha.
Selena Avalon Loftin